VOLTA NY is the invitational fair of solo artist projects and is the American incarnation of the original Basel VOLTA show, which was founded in 2005 by three art dealers as a fair "by galleries, for galleries".
Since its debut in New York in 2008, Artistic Director Amanda Coulson re-conceived the format as a rigorously curated, boutique event — along the lines of a sequence of intense studio visits versus a traditional trade show environment. Since then VOLTA NY showcases relevant contemporary art positions from emerging international artists, from cutting-edge trendsetters to next year’s rising stars. Coupled with its approachable solo-booth format, the VOLTA team has created a fair that is both accessible to younger art-lovers and beloved by seasoned collectors alike. By spotlighting artists through primarily solo projects, VOLTA NY refocuses the art fair experience back to its most fundamental point: the artists and their works. A beacon for creative discovery during Armory Arts Week, VOLTA NY is likewise aligned with some of the best and boldest local cuisine and design collaborators in the city.
In March 2016, VOLTA NY returns to PIER 90 in the neighborhood of Hell’s Kitchen, New York City, adjacent to The Armory Show, the longtime anchor of Armory Arts Week on Piers 94 and 92. The Armory Show and VOLTA NY are affiliate fairs that provide complementary visions of the international contemporary art world. Both fairs share mutually acknowledged VIP access.